Christie to appear at first town hall meeting since the Bridgegate scandal began

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is heading to Republican-controlled Monmouth County for his first town hall meeting since a the Bridgegate scandal engulfed his administration.

Today’s town hall meeting in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township, N.J. is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. It will be held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, 1 Veterans Lane (near Route 36 and Wilson Avenue).

In addition to the Governor, several members of his administration are scheduled to attend, including Michele Brown, chief executive of the Economic Development Authority; Community Affairs Commissioner Richard Constable III; Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin and Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez. 

Christie plans to promote his plans for the second allocation of $1.4 billion in Superstorm Sandy recovery funds. His administration has been criticized for the slow pace and confusing way the first $1.8 billion in federal storm aid is being distributed.

Christie’s future as a possible 2016 presidential candidate could be upended by an apparent plot to block traffic for political retribution.

The administration also is enmeshed in allegations that it leveraged storm recovery funds to win approval for a favored development project or to reward political loyalty.

The governor’s office has denied all charges.